Sickleweed

General Information

Species Name: Falcaria vulgaris

Also Known As: longleaf sickleweed

Family: Apiaceae (Carrot)

Growth Form: Forb

Life Span: Perennial or biennial

Flowering Dates: June-September

Origin: Eurasia

Noxious: No

Why Is It Invasive?

The exact impacts of sickleweed aren't entirely known, but it supposed that it could invade agricultural areas and reduce crop yield. 

What Does It Look Like?

General Characteristics

Sickleweed is a highly-branched, rounded herb. 

Flowers

Flowers are white with 5 petals that are small and arching. Flowers grow in small groups at the end of branched stems. 

Leaves

Leaves are alternately arranged and are long and thin. Leaves usually have 3 (sometimes 5) leaflets on the upper portion of the stem. Blades are finely toothed. 

Stems

Stems are erect, solid, branching, and smooth without hairs. 

Seeds

Inside yellowish-brown, longitudinal fruit

Photos

Dense green sickleweed growing next to a paved walkway.
White flowering sickleweed growing among dense green and brown foliage.
Dense cluster of sickleweed with slender, serrated leaves with soft light in a natural setting.
Finely toothed sickleweed leaf held between fingers, blurred greenery in the background.

Where Does It Grow?

Sickleweed can be found throughout the Great Plains region in pastures, disturbed sites, roadsides, and cultivated fields. It is not commonly found in sandy soils. 

How Does It Spread?

Sickleweed is spread by seed, both by natural and human vectors.

How Do I Control It?

Mechanical

Please contact your county weed control authority to determine appropriate removal methods.

Cultural

Maintain a healthy plant population and minimize disturbance to help prevent sickleweed establishment. 

Help prevent seed dispersal after outdoor activity in a few simple steps: 

  • REMOVE plants, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets and vehicles.

  • CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site.

  • STAY on designated roads and trails.

  • PLANT non-invasive species.

PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks

Herbicide

Please refer to the 2026 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska and/or contact your county weed control authority. 

References and More Information

Native Plant Trust Go Botany

Nebraska Weed Control Association

PlayCleanGo

USDA APHIS Weed Risk Assessment for Falcaria vulgaris

University of Wisconsin - Madison Renz Weed Science

Stubbendieck, J., Coffin, M., & Dunn, C. (2019). Weeds of the Great Plains. Nebraska Department of Agriculture.